Ken Ward

Ken Ward is an assistant professor at Pennsylvania State University's Department of Communication, where he teaches journalism, media history, and law. His research focuses on the journalism history of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, with a particular emphasis on media ethics, legal history, and the evolution of newspaper wars. He is a member of the American Journalism Historians Association (AJHA) Board of Directors and chairs the AEJMC History Division's teaching committee.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Journalism from Ohio University (2018)
• M.A. in Communication from Wichita State University (2014)
• B.A. in Communication Arts from Bethel College, Kansas (2011)

Dr. Ward’s research bridges historical analysis with contemporary media ethics, examining topics such as libel law, partisan press traditions, and the ethical progression of journalism. His work often intersects with political regionalism and social network dynamics in media. He has published extensively in top journals like Journalism History, Journal of Media Ethics, and Journal of Media Law and Ethics, covering themes from 19th-century climate policy framing to 21st-century data privacy concerns.

Scientific Awards:

• AEJMC Warren Price Award
• AJHA Robert Lance Memorial Award
• AJHA President’s Award for service

Ken Ward also contributes to academic discourse through book reviews and collaborative historical roundtables. His teaching emphasizes the intersection of journalism, law, and ethics, preparing students to navigate both traditional and modern media landscapes.